Sugar Lawyers Refile Claims Already Rejected By Court

WASHINGTON, DC – In another legal maneuver, the sugar industry is attempting to revive claims against member companies of the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) that a federal judge recently dismissed.

“The simple truth is that the sugar industry is attempting to use the courts to stifle free speech, but it lacks the facts to support its claims against our member companies. The court made that fact clear in its last ruling, and we continue to believe these claims against the companies should be dismissed,” says Audrae Erickson, President of the CRA. “The more important issue, as the court has recognized, is that of health effects, and we believe the sugar industry is wrongfully alleging that high fructose corn syrup (a sugar made from corn) causes health issues that do not arise from consuming cane and beet sugar.”

“We believe that the sugar industry’s views are misleading American consumers,” Erickson says. “The CRA will continue its work to educate consumers about high fructose corn syrup and will vigorously oppose the sugar industry’s attempt to stifle public discussion of this important health issue.”

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The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining (wet milling) industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.